Tourist Attractions Coorg
Coorg (or Kodagu) is a popular hill resort in Karnataka. Coorg is Set amidst verdant valleys of the Western Ghats. Madikeri,is the district headquarters of Kodagu and is located 252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level.
Madikeri town reflects an old world charm and is famous for its tourist attractions, some of which are historic Madikeri Fort, the Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, viewpoints such as Raja’s Seat. Around Madikeri, there are lots of recreational and pilgrimage sites such as Abbey, Irupu Falls and Bylekuppe.
Talakaveri
River Kaveri which is one of the 7 sacred rivers, originates at a place is called Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. There are temples at Talakaveri of Agasthyeshwara and Lord Ganapathi. It is about 48 kms from Madikeri.
From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak (300-feet high), where the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna.
On a clear day, one can see Kudremukh, Chamundi Hills of Mysore, Wyanad Hills of Malabar and Arabian Sea from the peak of Brahmagiri Hill.
There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya.
Raja’s Seat
A popular viewing point to see Coorg valleys, it is this place where the kings used to relish the sunset and beauty of Coorg every evening. Today, the area around Raja’s Seat has been developed into a public garden.
Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820 in worship of Lord Shiva. The Shivalinga in the temple has its origins in Kashi. Among the many Shivalingas in Kashi five are considered the most sacred, and Omkareshwara is one of them.
The interesting feature of this temple is that it is a blend of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. The temple has four minarets around it and a dome in the center (similar to a Muslim Masjid).
Abbey Falls
Abby Falls is located 8 kilometers from Madikeri town It is located in a private property. Abby cascades 70 feet down to flow as a small river . A path through coffee and cardamom plantation off the main road leads to the falls. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons bring plenty of water.
Iruppu Falls
It is at a distance of 91 km from Madikeri and is a pilgrim center associated Lord Rama, There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and on Mahashivratri day pilgrims take a holy dip in the river.
River Lakshmana-tirtha, a tributary of Cauvery, starts from these falls, which fall 60 meter amidst the lush green mountain. According to legends Rama and Lakshmana, passed this way in search of Sita. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being the river Lakshmana tirtha when Rama asked him to fetch some water.
Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort was built in the 19th century. A chapel, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison are located within its premises. The Church, in Gothic style, with color stained glasses has now been converted into a museum The museum also houses a ancient antiques of Coorg like armors, paintings and spot arms. The Palace of the Kodagu kings located inside the Fort, now houses the offices of the Deputy Commissioner.
Bylakuppe Tibetian Settlement
Bylakuppe in Kushalnagar, about 30 km from Madikeri town is one of the many Tibetan settlements in India. Lugsung Samdupling, oldest of all Tibetan settlements in India came into existence in 1961 in Bylakuppe.
The most popular among the tourists is the so-called Golden Temple, located inside the large Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery. Three beautiful golden Buddha statues each of 40 Feet namely Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus look down at visitors above the altar. The monastery is home to a sangha of over five thousand lamas (monks and nuns), a religious college (or shedra) and a hospital.
Sera Je Monastery is modeled after the original Sera University in Tibet. Sera belongs to the Yellow-Hat Gelugpa sect of Buddhism and is the local seat of education.
Accomodation in Coorg
Coorg offers a wide range of accommodation choices to its tourists, in the form of hotels, resorts, bungalows and homestays. Both luxury and budget hotels are easily available.
Alcove Exotica Resort in Coorg offers a rejuvenating stay for families on vacation and is also ideal company conferences or workshops. It offers Outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Massage and multi-cuisine Restaurant.